pachano+core

We are a full service design+construction office working in the Berkshires, Western Massachusetts, the Hudson Valley, New York, City and beyond. We aim to elevate the quality of people’s lives through architecture by creating spaces that inspire discovery. Our approach is simultaneously exploratory, technical, and responsive to requirements of the project and sites on which we build, focusing on high perfomance systems designed to create efficiency and comfort. We intuitively reveal possibilities latent within every brief over a range of project types and landscapes in tandem with integrated construction services. From the first to last phase, we deliver design+building knowledge and exprertise as an integrated process.

About
Services
Process
Email
Instagram

PROCESS
Our process begins with a “Needs Analysis” during which we uncover the desires and program requirements of an owner, developer or investor.

Depending on the scale of the project, schedule or budget, we will develop schemes, drawings and models which describe the project through every step of the design process. 

We employ digital modeling as a powerful tool for designing and visualizing spaces from both the inside and outside of a structure. Sophisticated modeling software, called Building Information Modeling (BIM), allows us to virtually build before any work begins allowing the client to visualize every room and all exteriors throughtout the process.    

Throughout, strategies will emerge to meet budgets and schedules, energy production/conservation needs, financial goals and long/short term plans. 

Our interests range from the use of the latest technologies to the study and research of historic building traditions. We are committed to high quality architecture that is technically innovative and that is inspired by our close collaboration with clients and builders.

The complete process may look something like this:

• Design: Big Picture, Look+Feel, Systems, Selections, Furnishings;
• Deliverables: Permit Set, CD Set, Project Specifications;
  
• Construction: Site+Demo, Foundations, Framing, Rough MEP, Insulation, Wall Finishes, Fixtures+Appliances, Substantial Completion, Landscapes
  

WHY WORK WITH US?

Design+Build phases overlap by nature: estimating, constructability review, engineering, procurement, and scheduling inform the design before documents are complete and throughout the process.

Working with an architect from the very beginning will add the greatest value to your investment and ensures a successful project. Working in tandem with a builder, budget expectations and constructability can be met from the very beginning of the design process.

An architect is a licensed professional trained in the art and science of building design and construction. Having an architect + builder on board that understand the economy and efficiencies of the construction process ensures the successful combination of aesthetics and practicality.

Having design + construction in house ensures that there is nothing lost in translation as is often the case when a design is turned over to a builder. From the very first client meeting, all of the project’s desires are communicated and translated into the finshed building.

From the begining we will help and expect our clients to define:

• Project Type, Location, Rough Construction Budget, and Funding Source.
• Decision-makers: Confirm all wners are participating early.
  
• Schedule expectations and permit constraints.
  
• Existing conditions: age, additions, structural complexity, hazardous-material risks, access,occupied renovation conditions.
  
• Design expectations: reference images, level of finish, custom work, energy-performance goals.

FEES
Fees for architectural design are  calculated as a percentage of the project’s final cost of construction. These fees range from a negotiated percentage of the total cost of the project including soft cost. Often, when the pre-construction process begins, it is difficult, to accurately determine the complete cost of the work. During this initial time period (before a good estimate of the final project cost is possible), fees based on the client’s desired budget will be used to calculate pre-construction fees. A retainer may also be required to begin the process and confirm commitment to the project.

Keep in mind that the final cost of construction is not the total project cost. Total project cost is the sum of hard costs (construction) and soft costs (fees and testing, etc...). For budgeting purposes you should assume that soft costs are an additional 25 percent of the total hard costs.

---